Hypoalbuminemia and generalized edema as an atypical presentation of celiac disease

• Main Authors: Durga S Meena, Deepak Kumar, Gopal K Bohra, Sahadev Choudhary
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2020-01-01
• Series: Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
• Subjects: celiac disease; hypoalbuminemia; edema; protein-losing enteropathy
• Online Access: http://www.jfmpc.com/article.asp?issn=2249-4863;year=2020;volume=9;issue=2;spage=1206;epage=1208;aulast=

The clinical presentation of celiac disease has evolved significantly over the last few decades. Previously defined as a malabsorption syndrome in pediatric patients, now it is considered an autoimmune disorder with diverse systemic manifestations among all age groups. We report a case of 56-year-old male presented with pedal edema and gradually progressive abdomen distention for the last 3 months. Serological evaluation and duodenal biopsy reports were suggestive of celiac disease. The patient was advised gluten-free diet, after 12 weeks, the patient became asymptomatic with the resolution of ascites and peripheral edema. According to the literature, there are few reports of protein-losing enteropathy as an initial presentation of celiac disease. The possibility of celiac disease should be considered even in the setting of atypical symptoms.